Episode 29 is with Anatoly Kirichenko, the creator/founder of Whaam! Gallery and Whaam! Bookclub.
Born in Ukraine, Anatoly immigrated to the US with his parents and grew up in Brooklyn. We talked about his upbringing, having an immigrant mentality, and his early influences. Spending formative time downtown, getting into streetwear and art cultures, he spoke about having a deep admiration for NYC.
After graduating from NYU, Anatoly began to work in streetwear. First working out in LA for Supreme, he later moved back to NY to work for Adam Kimmel. During his time at Adam Kimmel was where Anatoly was first curating pop-up art shows. Leaving AK, he then moved to work with CDG/DSM, and then to run Stussy's New York flagship location in 2016.
Being given the reins at 26 years old, I was perplexed that Stussy would give him the position at the age I am now. He explained that he always followed his heart and was not afraid to be honest with the brands he worked for. This allowed him to form the beneficial skills and relationships that would shape his career. He spoke about really connecting with Stussy on their values and principles as a brand.
At Stussy was where Whaam! Bookclub was first formed, in 2017, and eventually the conception for Whaam! Gallery was created. Anatoly expressed the ideology of the gallery as one that doesn't show "classically" trained fine artists, explained the significance of the location, how he curates, and what the gallery has become in 2022. Whaam! gives artists the ability to see their vision come alive and creates an atmosphere to meet new people. He elaborated on the joy he receives in taking chances and that he doesn't need Whaam! to fit the profile/constraints of a traditional gallery.
"Art is whatever an artist creates." he said!
Enjoy <3